Owner tells of grief after cat kicked and stamped to death in Hartlepool

Published:17:00Wednesday 21 October 2015

Share this article

Sign Up To Our Daily Newsletter

The owner of a 16-year-old family cat which was kicked and stamped to death by hooded yobs has spoken of her devastation following the savage attack.

Chico, nicknamed ‘Cheeks’ by his family, was killed by a gang of four or five youths in Cedar Walk, in Hartlepool, between 10.30pm and 10.45pm on Saturday.

The cat suffered a broken back and a broken jaw after being repeatedly kicked and stamped on by the group, who the owner believes also set a dog on the cat whichpicked it up and ran off with in its mouth.

Chico’s horrified owner was able to follow the dog to retrieve her, but she was already dead.

The owner, aged 32, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I got her when I was 16 years old and moved into my first place on my own,” she said.

“My children are devastated – my two-year-old is asking where Chico is and I had to explain that he was in heaven. She used to watch over the kids when they were sleeping–she was like an old granny to them. She used to have a lot of life in her. You wouldn’t treat anyone like that, it’s disgusting.

“It’s just a game to them, a bit of fun. We are devastated and it’s put me off having animals.”

The suspects ran off onto Lime Crescent towards Chatham Road. They are described as aged between 16 and 22, one wore a dark blue or black and white hooded top.

The dog is described as a young white or cream fox terrier with curly fur.

Anyone with information should contact Pc John Smith from Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.